A sneak peek at the 2024 Azalea Festival Home Tour

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Jessica Keisling’s 1928 Georgian Revival home is a piece of the rich history of Wilmington’s Westbrook-Ardmore district. This year, it joins seven other historic residences on the Historic Wilmington Foundation Home Tour as a part of the annual Azalea Festival.

The tour aims to showcase not just the architectural grandeur but also the personal stories etched into these historic walls.

“Each of these homeowners and their personalities make this historic homes relevant for the 21st century,” said Travis Gilbert, executive director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation. “I think their personalities are really showcased through their architectural choices, how they exemplify those choices by honoring the past, but ensuring that past is preserved through 21st century living.”

One such story resonates deeply within the halls of Keisling’s home. There was extensive water damage in the home when the Keisling family bought it. She says it was very difficult and very expensive to revitalize the home, but it was a labor of love and a task she learned a lot from.

Built in 1928, the home was built as Walter Woods’ dream abode. He was a superintendent at the nearby cotton mill.

“This is the culmination of a man’s dreams throughout decades of working at the cotton mill,” Gilbert said. “This was supposed to be his forever home for his wife and children. The grandeur of the architecture, the stateliness of that brick portico outside, I think is a testament to his vision.”

Now, nearly a century later, the Keisling family has seamlessly merged the home’s historic character with their modern style, transforming it into a their dream home.

“I think you’ll see it when you walk through. It’s a home that we love,” said Keisling. “The home is filled with so much love and joy and it’s been a really great space for us to have our family and our kids in.”

For more information and how to purchase tickets for the Home Tour, click here.